Atlanta, Georgia – On Earth Day, it was announced that the Capital Good Fund, a nonprofit CDFI, will receive a portion of a $7 billion grant from the Biden-Harris Inflation Reduction Act. This funding, distributed by the EPA, aims to help low-income communities by installing rooftop solar panels, reducing energy costs, and cutting down on pollution. The Capital Good Fund will specifically receive $156 million as the primary applicant for the Georgia BRIGHT Communities project. This initiative includes coalition cities like Atlanta, Savannah, and Decatur, as well as various nonprofits, community leaders, other local governments, and small businesses throughout the state.
“Underserved communities often shoulder the highest energy burdens, adding more financial strain and forcing families to decide between keeping the lights on or paying for some other basic need,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “Thank you to the EPA and the Biden-Harris Administration for their focus on environmental justice. These grant funds will help Atlanta families lower those costs, helping to improve their physical and financial health and overall quality of life.”
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“Solar for All is bringing transformative funding to Atlanta,” said Chandra Farley, Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Atlanta. “Not only will this funding allow us to scale the Georgia BRIGHT Communities initiative, but we will leverage our award to support WeatheRISE ATL, our energy burden reduction program. Together, these efforts will merge climate resilience and environmental justice by delivering healthy, energy efficient homes powered by renewable energy that saves households money.”
Andy Posner, Founder and CEO of Capital Good Fund, expressed his enthusiasm about the impact of the new funding.
“This funding will allow us and our partners to dramatically expand the impact of our existing Georgia BRIGHT program and bring the benefits of solar to approximately 20,000 households over five years while creating good-paying jobs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving local air quality,” said Andy Posner, Founder and CEO of Capital Good Fund. “We are grateful to the Biden Administration for their commitment to environmental justice and recognition that tackling the climate crisis is an opportunity to reshape our nation for the better.”
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Georgia BRIGHT provides solar solutions, including rooftop solar and solar plus battery storage systems, through leases and power purchase agreements. These are offered to mission-aligned organizations and homeowners earning less than $100,000 annually across the state. The Solar for All grant will not only expand the BRIGHT initiative significantly but will also enhance it by including workforce development and community solar projects. Additionally, it will support necessary home improvements like roof replacements and more.
